Ulemas worry about gambling

SEMARANG, Central Java: The local chapter of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) has expressed concern over widespread gambling in the province.

"It's a worrying development. The government should take action against gamblers before they create social unrest," said Sahal Mahfud, chief of the local branch of the council.

He said gamblers are so ignorant of the Moslems' sensitivity that they gamble in public places such as night fairs in towns like Brebes, Kebumen, Kudus and Purwokerto.

The ulema urged the local government to take stern action against gambling because it is "poisoning" the morality of area young people. (har)